Holden Cup Round 19 previews

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The players to watch and predicted results for Round 19 of the National Youth Competition.

Warriors v Panthers

The Warriors trail the Panthers by 16 competition points heading into Round 19 but it's the men from across the ditch who will go into Friday night's clash with the better form line.

Grant Pocklington's men have won two from three and are fresh after last week's bye while the Panthers have only managed one win from their last four games to fall five points behind the table-topping Sharks.

Panthers winger Daniel Brown has scored nine tries in seven games and will fancy his chances of improving on that record on Friday.

Tip: Panthers by 14

Raiders v Dragons

Currently two points outside the top eight and hampered by a poor for-and-against, the Raiders must treat Friday's clash as a mini-final. Rested after last week's bye, the Green Machine will hope their impressive home record (6-2) helps them against a Dragons side that has looked shaky in recent times.

The Red V remain in second spot on the ladder but haven't been convincing for a while with their past four matches decided by a combined 11 points. Jai Field will line up at fullback for the second game in a row and should provide plenty of impact.

Tip: Dragons by 8

Rabbitohs v Cowboys

Based on recent form, this should be the game of the round. The Bunnies are coming off back-to-back draws but they had won five on the trot before that and they will fancy themselves to return to winning ways at Redfern Oval.

Souths are just two wins behind the fifth-placed Cowboys who were humbled in the nation's capital a fortnight ago. Fullback Kalyn Ponga has run for 100 metres just once of his past four matches so expect him to lift on what should be a dry track.

Tip: Rabbitohs by 6

Knights v Broncos

The undermanned Knights will be keen to bounce back from last week's thrilling draw against the Bulldogs in a match they need to win if they want to stay in the top four.

It also shapes as a crucial contest for the Broncos who will move into the top eight if they win and the Titans fall to the Sharks. Brisbane looked slick in attack against the Storm in Round 17 and should get the job done on the road.

Tip: Broncos by 10

Titans v Sharks

This should be a cracking clash between two well-rested sides that boast attacking threats across the park.

The Titans claimed a crucial win in Round 17 with a thrilling two-point victory over the high-flying Dragons, with the returning AJ Brimson proving the difference with a double. He shifts to his preferred position in the halves this weekend, strengthening their already impressive spine.

As potent as the Titans might be, there is no denying who deserves favouritism heading into Saturday's showdown. The Sharks are the runaway competition leaders for a reason and should continue their hot streak with another win on the road.

Tip: Sharks by 12

Sea Eagles v Wests Tigers

The red-hot Sea Eagles are one of the form teams in the competition and will be heavy favourites to keep their momentum going against the Tigers. Wayne Lambkin's men ooze class across the park and have the size and skill to match it with the best in the business.

Big man Taniela Paseka takes on his former teammates for the first time and would love nothing more than to celebrate the occasion with a win.